is a brick and mortar presence requires for internet pharmacy

[cadbury-king]

Just like my heading suggests


Im asking if anyone knows if inorder to establish an online pharmacy a pharmacy license for a brick and mortar buisness is required


Basically if i wanted to setup an online pharmacy do i need a brick and mortor buisness first.......The medicines act 1968 pre- internet seems to suggest a brick and mortor presence is required.


in other words can i just set up and online shop and a dispensing unit/factory/distribution center with out the hassle of having a real pharmacy

[Web Ferret]

You can set up and register a closed dispensary. A lot of competition out there now. How are you going to demonstrate the use of an oral syringe or take back returned medicines.

[Tony Schofield]

You can do it. Your premises would need to be registered with the GPhC and you would need to be on the premises during your contracted hours. Good luck to you.

[Pharmanaut]

You can set up and register a closed dispensary. A lot of competition out there now. How are you going to demonstrate the use of an oral syringe or take back returned medicines.

Demonstrations and counselling can be done with an online video presentation.

Returning medicines is a bit more difficult, though you could just tell people to drop them off at any pharmacy!

[Tony Schofield]

It's lawful. The overheads are much lower than from a decent site in a health centre or town centre. You will be limited in enhanced services but dispensing will be profitable. However, how will you get dispensing volume up to a level to make it pay? I don't want to know, that is your strategy but you must have a strategy or your "cheap" site may become expensive!

Once again Good luck

[naf123]

and how does postage costs cover it?

royal mail is quite expensive these days...

[Tony Schofield]

Erm........then see if anyone is cheaper.

[sleather1]

depending on your volume, most couriers do business to business accounts. DHL, UPS, Yodel, fedex, TNT. Just a case of predicting your volume of shipments and getting yourself the best deal.

[thadon]

So you do or don't need a premisies to start up? I was thinking about getting into this also. Has anyone info on Northern Ireland?

[Tony Schofield]

Yes you need a premises and it must meet the requirements of the GPhC with whom it will be registered.